Nechirvan Barzani: We must not abandon victims of war and terrorism

Nechirvan Barzani: We must not abandon victims of war and terrorism · Kurdistan TV

On Sunday morning, November 1, 2026, the University of Duhok held a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Institute for Psychological Treatment and Trauma. A considerable number of Yazidis, along with local and foreign guests, attended the event.

At the ceremony, a speech by Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, was delivered. It was read by Dilshad Shahab, Assistant to the President of the Kurdistan Region.

The text of Nechirvan Barzani’s speech:

Distinguished guests,

Good day.

I extend my appreciation, thanks and gratitude to the Institute for Psychological Treatment and Trauma at the University of Duhok and its partners for organizing this event, as well as for their important work in helping and alleviating the suffering and pain of those who have endured the consequences of war, terrorism and violence.

Ten years ago, establishing this institute was an important and necessary step so that it could serve victims. The work of the University of Duhok is valuable and significant. Alongside its scientific and academic responsibilities, it has also given importance to a field that has a meaningful impact on society. We hope this example will grow and receive greater attention on a broader scale.

The people of Kurdistan and Iraq have endured long years of war and hardship. Many of our citizens lost family members and homes, while others were forced to leave their areas and live far from their land and homes. The genocide ISIS committed against the Yazidis was one of the most brutal tragedies.

The effects of this tragedy do not end simply with the conclusion of wars or the return of people to their homes and normal lives. Some wounds remain in people’s minds and in the depths of their humanity, requiring time and care to heal. It is our responsibility not to leave those who have suffered these tragedies alone. We must help them regain their lives, confidence and hope for a better future.

Distinguished guests,

The psychological treatment services that this institute provides in Duhok and Sinjar, as well as its efforts to train specialists, deserve our deepest appreciation and gratitude. The institute’s work is not limited to helping those affected overcome their suffering; training qualified personnel is also important so they can continue this vital task in the future and serve society.

Therefore, I would once again like to thank and commend the University of Duhok, the institute’s supervisors and all its employees for their dedicated efforts.

We also extend our thanks and appreciation to the government, universities and centers in Germany that support this humanitarian project. Germany has supported the people of Kurdistan during difficult times. We regard their continued support and cooperation with great respect and gratitude, particularly their assistance to survivors of ISIS’s crimes.

Distinguished guests,

Those who suffer from the effects of war and psychological trauma need to feel that they are not alone. They need to see that there are people providing them with services, care and support. It is important that everyone who needs psychological assistance knows that seeking treatment is normal and that no one should feel ashamed or uncomfortable about it.

For this reason, we reiterate the importance of continued government and international support for these efforts. We also stress the need to expand psychological treatment services so they reach everyone who needs them, particularly in areas suffering from terrorism and displacement.

All victims and our people must recover from the effects and scars of that period, and survivors and those affected must be able to continue their lives in peace, dignity and with great hope.

On this occasion, we reiterate that we will always remain partners and supporters of all the rights of our Yazidi citizens. Any action or plan to resolve their problems in Sinjar or anywhere else must be based on the demands and interests of the Yazidis themselves.

Finally, we once again express our thanks and appreciation to all those working toward this noble humanitarian goal. I wish continued progress and success to the Institute for Psychological Treatment and Trauma at the University of Duhok.